The 10 Most Memorable Home Run Derby Performances of All Time

Norm Hall/Getty ImagesRobinson Cano smoking a pitch in the 2011 Home Run Derby.

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In many ways, MLB's Home Run Derby is the premier competition at All-Star Weekend.

While the All-Star Game is the more traditional format of the two events, the derby distills baseball down to its most exciting product: home runs.

There is nothing quite like witnessing the game’s finest sluggers launch towering shot after towering shot.

But the mystique of the underdog is not lost either. In 2005, Bobby Abreu bested superior home run hitters like David Ortiz and Mark Teixeira. Abreu not only won the derby, but also set new all-time records.

In celebration of the 2013 Home Run Derby commencing on Monday, July 15, following are 10 of the most memorable Home Run Derby performances of all time.

9. 1991: Cal Ripken Jr. Dominates All-Star Weekend

Cal Ripken Jr. had a fantastic 1991 season. The Baltimore Orioles’ infielder posted a .323 batting average with a park-adjusted 162 OPS-plus and 34 home runs. He would eventually win the American League MVP Award for his production.

But Ripken also dominated the All-Star Weekend. In the Home Run Derby, the slugger hit 12 home runs, which was seven more than runner-up Paul O'Neill who had five homers.

Ripken additionally captured the All-Star Game MVP Award after smacking a pivotal three-run home run.

6. 2005: The “Gold Ball” Debut

Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesA gold ball from the 2006 Home Run Derby, a year after its inception.

In 2005, Major League Baseball partnered with Century 21 Real Estate and introduced the “gold ball.” For every gold ball home run, Century 21 Real Estate pledged to donate $21,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of America.

In its inaugural season, Carlos Lee, Ivan Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Andruw Jones combined for 14 gold ball home runs, amounting to $294,000 worth of donations.

5. 2009 and 2012: Champ in Both Leagues

Just two players have ever won more than one Home Run Derby. But only Prince Fielder has won the Home Run Derby in both the National League (as a Milwaukee Brewer) and American League (as a Detroit Tiger).

Fielder swatted 23 and 28 home runs in 2009 and 2012, respectively, to take home the NL and AL crowns.

4. 2008: Josh Hamilton Sets Record…But Still Loses

Sometimes setting a new record doesn’t translate to winning. At least that was the case for Josh Hamilton in the 2008 Home Run Derby.

Hamilton swatted 28 home runs in one round, which ousted Bobby Abreu’s previous record of 24. Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau, however, defeated Hamilton in the final found and was subsequently crowned as the derby champion.

It's also worth noting that the 2008 Home Run Derby took place at the original Yankee Stadium in its final season of existence.

3. 1998 and 1999: Back-to-Back Titles

Brian Bahr/Getty ImagesKen Griffey Jr. launching a ball during the 1999 Home Run Derby.

Before injuries hindered his career, Ken Griffey Jr. was considered to be the premier home run hitter in baseball.

In fact, many fans and critics felt that Griffey Jr., and not Barry Bonds, would eventually break Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record. Griffey’s 630 career home runs now pale in comparison to Bonds’ 762.

Griffey, however, is perhaps the greatest Home Run Derby king. The slugger not only won the Home Run Derby a record three times, but was also the only player to win back-to-back titles.

Griffey’s 19 and 16 home runs in 1998 and 1999, respectively, clinched consecutive titles for him. He also won the 1994 Home Run Derby.

1. 2005: Bobby Abreu Sets Impressive Derby Record

Bobby Abreu was enjoying one of his finest first halves before entering the 2005 Home Run Derby. The left-handed Phillies' slugger at the time was hitting .307 with a 16.8 percent walk rate, park-adjusted 154 OPS-plus and 18 home runs.

Abreu edged his stiff competition with a record 41 home runs and a then-record 24 dingers in the first round. In fact, Abreu smacked 21 more home runs than both Ivan Rodriguez and David Ortiz combined.

The outfielder only hit six home runs after the All-Star break, however, prompting critics to wonder if Abreu’s participation in the derby hindered his swing mechanics. Regardless, Abreu's performance in the 2005 Home Run Derby was legendary.